My Animal Totem deck just arrived! I have had several animal decks over the years and none truly inspired or satisfied me.
But this one is outstanding!
First of all, the cards are borderless!! And the only titles are the names of the cards in a small banner at the bottom. (I have to admit there were several animals I was not familiar with, so I had to look them up in the book, which is very good as well). Eugene Smith's artwork is well served by the cards. The animals are in naturalistic poses and surroundings, not in human poses that other decks have used is the past. The pips are integrated nicely with the animal and its environment.
Leeza Robertson's book is a treasure trove of animal information and card meanings. The meanings are definitely RWS based and the animal choices have been carefully selected. Each card is illustrated with a full page black and white image. There is a channeled message from each animal and some general meanings. Leeza then offers meanings for three categories: Business and Career, Family and Relationships and Health and Well-Being. Also included are several writing prompts to encourage journaling and some lined pages for additional notes.
The cards sit in a cardboard well in the box, along with the book. It is a tight fit, though...it was a challenge to get the flap open without tearing it (typical Llewellyn box), and I didn't even try to put things back into the box. Fortunately, I recently got a beautiful bag for the deck to live in. And my one reservation has to do with the card stock...it seems a bit on the thin side, different from some of my other Llewellyn decks. Yet, after handling the deck for awhile, I think it will withstand careful shuffling. As always, YMMV.
I am looking forward to using this deck over the coming days and weeks. It has been quite a while since I got a new Tarot deck (I have been immersed in my work with Lenormand and Kipper cards). And I would recommend this deck to those who are looking for a well thought out animal deck that is attractive and easy to read.